Council approves conditional rezoning for industrial site with taller distillation tower after technical review

The Clayton Town Council on Aug. 19 approved a conditional rezoning for a Powhatan Road property that will permit heavy manufacturing and a distillation tower up to 100 feet high, subject to upgraded perimeter landscaping and a condition ensuring the tower will not interfere with nearby AM radio signals.

Staff described the request as a Type 3 conditional rezoning to change the parcel from HID (Heavy Industrial) to a conditional industrial district (CCI) to allow a specific distillation tower height deviation from the district standard. Planning staff noted the site is designated as an Employment Center on the Comprehensive Plan 2045 future‑land‑use map and recommended approval with conditions. The Planning Board recommended approval by a 5–1 vote.

Applicant and technical review: The applicant provided a certificate from an engineer attesting that the proposed 100‑foot tower would not interfere with the operations of an existing AM broadcast tower; the applicant said the AM broadcaster (Truth Broadcasting) had removed its objection after receiving that analysis. As a mitigation for the height deviation, the applicant agreed to upgrade the perimeter landscape buffer from type C to type D.

Council action: After staff and applicant presentations and no public comment, council voted to approve the conditional rezoning with conditions that include the height limitation for the distillation tower and the landscaping upgrades. Planning staff will tie the concept plan and conditions to the land; subsequent site plan and permitting reviews will apply.

Next steps: The developer must submit site plans and construction drawings and secure any state or federal permits required for operations. Town staff said the applicant will continue communications with adjacent property owners as site design advances.